Arizona’s 7th Congressional District is facing a crisis of uncertainty due to the absence of its elected representative, Democrat Raúl Grijalva. An incumbent since 2003, Grijalva’s health struggles and decreased public presence have sparked growing concerns over the future of CD7 and the type of leadership it needs moving forward. In April 2024, Grijalva revealed a cancer diagnosis that has left the district without hands-on leadership, particularly impactful due to pressing issues hurting citizens, including border security, immigration, and economic hardship. 

Before Monday, Grijalva’s most recent public statement was in a July 2024 post on X (formerly Twitter), when he announced he had completed his cancer treatment “for now.” In a rare interview with Channel 13 News, veteran journalist Bud Foster, who has known the congressman for 45 years, was granted an exclusive pre-recorded interview with Grijalva. With just 35 days remaining until the election, Congressman Grijalva announced that he is “about to start” his campaign activities. This announcement comes after months of absence due to health issues, raising questions about the timing and effectiveness of his efforts in the final stretch of the race.

During the interview, Grijalva’s responses were both surprising and dismissive. He revealed to Foster that this would be his final term in Congress and that twenty-two years is a good retirement age. Grijalva, who was among the first to call for President Biden to step aside after the debate, seemed to invite comparisons to his own situation, raising the question: should Grijalva have taken his own advice?

“It’s time for someone else, and it’s time for someone younger,” Grijalva admitted during the interview, acknowledging the need for fresh leadership. He also spoke candidly about his health struggles, saying, “There were periods you doubted which way this was going to go,” referring to the last eight months.

Despite his absence from Congress since February, Grijalva downplayed concerns about his missed votes, brushing off the fact that he missed 300-350 votes as inconsequential. His district should know that the lawmaker believes he “didn’t miss anything.” Grijalva further defended his ability, stating, “We’re not far from being at that percentage that would make us effective.”

His comments suggest a leader at peace with stepping down but unbothered by his recent lack of presence, which may raise concerns among his constituents.

Appearing live on set, Foster answered questions about the pre-recorded interview with Grijalva, providing additional insights into the congressman’s health and plans. “It was great to catch up with Raúl,” Foster shared. “He seemed in good spirits, and his handshake was as firm as ever.”

Foster noted that the congressman seemed optimistic and ready to hit the campaign trail. “Raúl is up for campaigning and plans to start within the next few days,” Foster told the anchor. He also mentioned that Grijalva plans to return to Washington soon to meet with his colleagues and get his office back in order. With a chuckle, Foster added, “You know his office isn’t in good shape because he hasn’t been there for a while.”

This period of uncertainty has opened the door for Republican challenger Daniel Butierez, a small business owner and third-generation Arizonan looking to “shake up the Washington, D.C. establishment and put Arizona families first.” Butierez made a name for himself after successfully overturning a wrongful prosecution in which the State admitted it had convicted the wrong man. His phoenix-like rise (the mythical bird, not the city) from the ashes of his life resulted in an appealing life story that captivated many local Arizonans. It appears that Butierez’s life story piqued the interest of a major political power, as well—he received a hearty endorsement from Donald Trump, which has energized the Republican base and focused national attention on the race. Trump’s endorsement could prove pivotal in CD7, historically a reliably Democrat district, as it underscores Butierez’s commitment to border security and law enforcement—issues at the forefront of CD7 voter concerns.

Azgop chair Gina Swoboda told the Arizona Globe, “The constituents of CD7 have a right to expect to hear from AND SEE their representative. Raul Grijalva has been MIA for months. It’s time for actual leadership in CD7 and a representative who will not take his constituents or their votes for granted. Daniel Butierez shows up.”

This rare 13th-hour appearance seems to be an attempt to soothe grumbling within the district. Grijalva’s ongoing health concerns and lack of public appearances have raised doubts about his ability to serve effectively. Constituents are increasingly frustrated with the congressman’s absence from critical votes and debates, especially given CD7’s proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border. CD7 is a massive district that runs south of Phoenix to the US-Mexico border and spans Yuma to Tucson and Nogales—an area of nearly 200 square miles, with a population of nearly 900,000. It encompasses parts of Tucson, Yuma, Nogales, Avondale, and Tolleson, to name a few.

With a platform focused on border security, immigration reform, and revitalizing the local economy, Butierez emphasizes the need for visible, engaged leadership. “I haven’t seen Congressman Grijalva at a single campaign event this election cycle,” Butierez told the Arizona Globe, noting that staffers and family members have handled most of Grijalva’s appearances.

The political landscape in CD7 is shifting, and the upcoming debates may prove a decisive moment in the race. While Grijalva declined to participate in the Clean Elections debate scheduled for October 7, Butierez expects him to attend a PBS-hosted debate on October 3. Grijalva’s most critical challenge will be reassuring his constituents that he is fit for office and capable of tackling the district’s pressing issues. It is unfortunate that Foster did not confirm whether Grijalva will be at the debate or not.

Butierez is likely to continue focusing on Grijalva’s absence and to convince voters that his vision represents the future of CD7. His campaign presses the need for hands-on leadership, especially with CD7 facing critical issues like border security, economic revitalization, and the impact of federal immigration policies.

As the election draws closer, the question comes down to two key questions: Will Grijalva’s long tenure and deep connections be enough to secure re-election, or will  Daniel Butierez’s fresh face—backed by Trump’s endorsement—signal a new era for Arizona’s 7th District?

The Arizona Globe reached out to Congressman Grijalva for comment, but as of publication, he has not responded.